Leading opera stars set to shine as the music celebration continues

A leading tenor and North East baritone will be performing at the next instalment of the Northumbrian Music Festival.

Austin Gunn will join Graeme Danby as he makes his debut at the music festival, which takes place at Eshott Hall.

Mr Gunn will perform A Spring Serenade on Tuesday, March 20, while Mr Danby will perform An Evening of North East Music on Wednesday, March 21.

Graeme Danby is a regular performer at the Royal Opera House and has made a name for himself with roles such as Poo-Bah in Mikado, Bartolo in The Marriage of Figaro, and Somnos in Semele.

He is also Director of the North East Proms.

At Eshott Hall he will perform a unique blend of local folk songs and regional classics, celebrating the history and heritage of the North East. Songs may include The Cliﬀs Of Old Tynemouth, Ower Young To Be Married Yet and There’s More To Life Than Women and Beer.

Leading British tenor Austin Gunn will be joined by a cast of experienced and up and coming stars for one night only at Eshott Hall.

He will take the audience on a musical journey celebrating the changing of the seasons, with performances focusing on the joys of spring.

The Newcastle-born performer has been a sought-after tenor for years, having performed frequently for the Scottish and English National Operas, as well as European opera houses.

Festival organiser Barbara Huddart said: “Austin Gunn is a highly regarded and experienced performer and we are delighted that Austin will herald the much-needed arrival of spring in what is sure to be a wonderfully uplifting show.

“Graeme Danby makes his return to the festival with a celebration of the musical heritage of the North East. His commitment to this festival is second to none and has made him one of our most popular acts.”

The Northumbria Music Festival is an event dedicated to opera, traditional and classical music, and takes place during the winter and spring in The Robert Parker Collection of hotels.

Unique amongst such events, it also features gourmet food as part of the ticket, often at less than the cost of a ticket to a concert hall or opera house.

Tickets for each of these two concerts are priced at £59 and include a welcome drink on arrival, a three-course gourmet dinner, followed by a concert performed by some of Britain’s most experienced singers and musicians.